Canadian Rockies by Rail

Holiday Ref 16330

This is the perfect itinerary to allow you to experience the beautiful iconic locations of Canada’s West and an unforgettable rail journey through the Canadian Rockies onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train. You will discover majestic landscapes, towering peaks and sparkling turquoise lakes.

Departures available on selected dates April – October 2018 – Call for details!

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Fly from UK to Calgary

Upon arrival into Calgary transfer by scheduled coach to the mountain resort of Banff. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Banff

Today is at leisure for you to make your own exploration of Banff. Outside of town, the dramatic Canadian scenery awaits you. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, or why not go for a soak in the famous therapeutic spring waters of the Upper Hot Springs, or take a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for amazing views over the Bow Valley below (prices available on request)

Day 3: Banff to Jasper by Coach

Today you will transfer by motor coach from Banff to Jasper which will take you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers.

Day 4: Jasper

Today is yours to explore this alpine village… Gem of the Canadian Rockies. We suggest you take our 4 hour tour and explore the spectacular natural treasures of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Stand above the massive walls of Maligne Canyon for stunning views of rushing waterfalls, discover the mystery of the disappearing water oat Medicine Lake and stroll the shores of Maligne Lake – all on this incredible sightseeing tour (price available on request).

Day 5: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey from Jasper to Kamloops

Today you will travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops.

Day 6: Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey from Kamloops to Vancouver

Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Day 7: Vancouver

Today is yours to discover this coastal city, Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre. Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors: explore the restaurants shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife, entertainment and more. We suggest the best way to explore is to take our 4 hour Vancouver City and the Lookout tour (price available on request). You will be introduced to downtown including Canada Place and Robson Street. Wind through historic and modern architectural wonders en route to Stanley Park, a 1,000 acre natural oasis, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. View the First Nations Totem Poles. Top off this adventure with a glass elevator ride 169 metres above the streets, at the Vancouver Lookout, for views if the ocean, the Coastal Mountains, the city and rugged shoreline.

Day 8: Vancouver

Why not give your Vancouver stay a twist with a 2 hour walking tour of Granville Island, Canada’s second most visited destination for lovers of food, art and culture. During the tour, you will eat your way through the world famous Public Market and hear intriguing stories, culture and history behind the tasty creations. This is truly a authentic way to experience Vancouver.

Day 9: Fly Vancouver to UK

Today you will say goodbye to Vancouver as your Rocky Mountain adventure comes to an end with checkout of your Vancouver Hotel, and make your way independently to Vancouver Airport for your flight back to the UK

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8 Nights from£1,699pp

Price Includes

Please Note all of our trips can be tailor-made to suit your requirements

As always a great holiday and a great service from Canada Travel Specialists. Highly recommended. We had a great time again in Canada and saw all the wildlife we wanted to see. Would definitely plan to spend more time at Knight Inlet Lodge next time, an amazing place

Mr Slater

Our first trip to Canada started in Toronto and Muskoka before flying to Calgary and by car on to Banff and Jasper where we joined the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver,and then Vancouver Island.We hugely valued the efficient organisation by Laura Thomson who was an excellent advisor on the itinerary and the activities we would be likely to enjoy.In all,we stayed in 6 different hotels,and had connections by air,train,car bus and float plane.All went smoothly and added to our love of the Rockies,and indeed the Canadian hospitality we experienced.Thanks to Canada Travel Specialist and Laura.First class!

David

Natalie Stewart, organised a fantastic road trip around Canada for us, it was so good we are thinking of going again in 2017. If your thinking of hiring a camper in Canada then you are looking at he best company to travel with, every thing was arranged by Natalie, the Air Canada flight was very good. The hotel in Calgary was the International in the centre of the downtown region, the transfer from Airport to hotel with Jonview was on time. Canadreams were are very helpful team of people, we hired a Deluxe Camper, (DVC) for the two of us, we did find it a little on the small side and we will have a larger Super Van Conversion (SVC), for our next trip. If you are concerned about driving in Canada, don't be, there driving style is very relaxed the road layouts are simple you just need to think bit more for left turns. Four way stops are simple Just give way to the guy on the right or wait till they all look at you, then you know its your turn, as i said it very easy to drive in Alberta and British Columbia, don't worry about it, it's simple. We covered about 2000 Kms the fuel bill was only $412 around £238. We are already planning our next trip and it will be with Canada Travel Specialists, they have the experience to cater for all your needs. Thanks Steve & Violet Nightingale

Mr Nightingale

We have just returned from our road trip in Canada and the USA. Having visited in the past this vacation was the best by far. Natali Stewart gave us the a comprehensive insite into not only places of interest, a must see if you like but also good quality hotels and restaurants that really complemented each day. We covered just over four thousand kelometers with a vehicle provided by Avis which I must say was first class. The Ford Explorer did not miss a beat. Vancouver island is the jewel of Canada that was until we visited Banff and beyond. It really does take your breath away. Try Lake Louis or Waterton Park you will see what I mean. On route we actually saw a real live Black Bear in the wild , didnt think that would ever happen!!! The US side of the border was every bit inviting Idaho and Montana are out of this world if a little warm at 43deg. Can't thank Natali enough for a wonderful holiday that we will not forget. We have said (god willing) will return in 2018. But really.....We cant wait!!!

Miss Robina

I began to plan a 5 week trip across USA and Canada myself. It was complicated (not helped by all the different time zones!): Fly to Chicago then train travel East to West coast of America using overnight sleeper cabins, staying in 4 hotels in the USA before going to Vancouver, then Alaskan Cruise, Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper, then train back across to East coast of Canada stopping at Toronto and then down to New York for a couple of days before flying home. After a couple of weeks of stress I called Barrhead Travel and they put the itinerary together for me. I had a figure in my head I thought I could do it for. They came back with a quote which was slightly above that, but I went with it as it was worth someone else doing all the hard work. Now I have returned from my holiday I now know it was better than I could have done it for as the quality of hotels we got was much higher than I had in mind. Adla Toal emailed us a draft itinerary and we were able to change anything we wanted to with no problems at all. I made 2 minor changes (one a hotel where I preferred somewhere more 'in town' and another where I didn't want a cruise stateroom with a connecting door). Both changes were dealt with literally within an hour each time. 2 weeks before we left home we received a full pack of documentation which covered all flights, train travel, hotels, cruise, Rocky Mountaineer etc. The whole 5 weeks went like clockwork, all paperwork was spot on, all travel links planned meticulously well, all hotels superb. I cannot thank Adla enough for making this a trip of a lifetime. If I had continued to try and plan this myself I am sure we would have ended up sleeping on the floor at some train station somewhere! I urge any of you thinking about using Barrhead Travel to organize this for you to do it - don't hesitate. I will certainly be using them again.